U.S. patent application number 09/941039 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-06 for method and arrangement for providing alignment indicia in a printed image.
This patent application is currently assigned to Xerox Corporation. Invention is credited to Connors, Thomas W..
Application Number | 20030044200 09/941039 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25475836 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030044200 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Connors, Thomas W. |
March 6, 2003 |
Method and arrangement for providing alignment indicia in a printed
image
Abstract
A method includes generating a first set of image information
representative of a first portion of the multiple page image, the
first set of image data corresponding to a first page of the
multiple page image. The method also includes generating alignment
indicia image information relating to the first portion of the
multiple page image. The method further includes generating
combined image information comprising the first set of image
information and the alignment indicia image information.
Inventors: |
Connors, Thomas W.;
(Rochester, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Paul J. Maginot
Maginot, Addison & Moore
Bank One Centre/Tower
111 Monument Circle, Suite 3000
Indianapolis
IN
42604-5115
US
|
Assignee: |
Xerox Corporation
|
Family ID: |
25475836 |
Appl. No.: |
09/941039 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
399/182 ;
399/183; 399/194 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G 15/36 20130101;
H04N 2201/3212 20130101; H04N 2201/0082 20130101; H04N 2201/3225
20130101; H04N 2201/3271 20130101; H04N 1/32144 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
399/182 ;
399/183; 399/194 |
International
Class: |
G03G 015/36 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method comprising: for generating combined image information
relating to a composite image comprising a plurality of documents,
each of the plurality of documents having a portion of the
composite image, the method comprising: generating a first set of
image information representative of a first portion of the multiple
page image, the first set of image information corresponding to a
first page of the multiple page image; generating indicia image
information representative of a relative position of the first
portion of the multiple page image within the multiple page image;
generating combined image information comprising the first set of
image information and the indicia image information.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising printing the combined
image information onto a first recording medium.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: generating second
first set of image information representative of second portion of
the multiple page image, the second set of image data corresponding
to a second page of the multiple page image; generating second
indicia image information representative of a relative position of
the second portion of the multiple page image within the multiple
page image; and generating combined image information comprising
the second set of image information and the second indicia image
information.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein generating the first set of image
information further comprises generating the first set of image
information, at least in part, by obtaining image information from
a manuscript document.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein generating the first set of image
information further comprises generating a first set of image
information, at least in part, by obtaining image information from
a software output file.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein generating indicia image
information further comprises generating subindicia representative
of each portion of the multiple page image arranged such that the
relative position of each subindicia with respect to the other
subindicia is representative of the relative position of the
corresponding portion within the multiple page image.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein generating indicia image
information further comprises generating the subindicia to include
first portion subindicia and non-first portion subindicia, and
wherein the first portion subindicia has a different appearance
than that of the non-first portion subindicia.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising identifying from a set
of multiple page image information the first set of image
information.
9. An arrangement for use in a system that prints multiple page
images, the arrangement comprising: an input receiving a first set
of image information representative of a first portion of the
multiple page image, the first set of image information
corresponding to a first page of the multiple page image; a
processor coupled to the input, the processor executing a method of
generating first indicia image information representative of a
relative position of the first portion within the multiple page
image; generating combined image information comprising the first
set of image information and the fast indicia image information;
and a printing device operable to print the combined image
information onto a first recording medium.
10. The arrangement of claim 9 wherein the printing device
comprises an electrophotographic printing machine.
11. The arrangement of claim 9 wherein the printing device
comprises an ink jet printer.
12. The arrangement of claim 9, wherein: the input further receives
a second set of image information representative of a second
portion of the composite image, the second set of image information
corresponding to a second document of the plurality of documents;
and the method executed by the processor further includes
generating second indicia image information representative of a
relative position of the second portion of the composite image
within the composite image and generating second combined image
information comprising the second set of image information and the
second indicia image information.
13. The arrangement of claim 9 further comprising a scanning device
operably coupled to provide image information including the first
set of image information to the input.
14. The arrangement of claim 9 further comprising a software output
file operably coupled to provide image information including the
first set of image information to the input.
15. The arrangement of claim 9, wherein the processor is further
operable to generate the indicia image information by generating
subindicia representative of each portion of the multiple page
image arranged such that the relative position of each subindicia
with respect to the other subindicia is representative of the
relative position of the corresponding portion in the multiple page
image.
16. The arrangement of claim 15, wherein the processor is further
operable to generate the subindicia to include first portion
subindicia and non-first portion subindicia, and wherein the first
portion subindicia has a different appearance than that of the
non-first portion subindicia.
17. A method comprising: generating a first set of image
information representative of a first portion of the multiple page
image, the first set of image data corresponding to a first page of
the multiple page image; generating alignment indicia image
information relating to the first page of the multiple page image;
and generating combined image information comprising the first set
of image information and the alignment indicia image
information.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein: the first set of image
information further comprises first overlap image information; and
generating the alignment indicia image information further
comprises generating comprises generating the alignment indicia
information such that it is configured to print alignment indicia
identifying a portion of the first overlap image information.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein generating the alignment indicia
image information further comprises generating alignment indicia
information such that it is configured to print alignment indicia
identifying a relative location of the first portion within the
multiple page image.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein generating the alignment indicia
image information and generating the combined image information
occur contemporaneously.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to image printing
devices, and in particular, image printing devices that generate
multiple page images.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Several printing systems have operations in which a document
or image is printed using several pages of paper (or other
recording media). For example, documents or files generated in
spreadsheet software, charting software, and other software
programs may exceed the available sizes of recording media. For
example, in most cases, the maximum size of available recording
media is 8.5" by 14". However, many large spreadsheet files cannot,
as a practical matter, be printed on a single page of such size.
The printing systems divide the image into multiple printed pages.
Once the multiple page image is printed out as single page
components, an operator may physically combine the single page
components to reconstruct the image.
[0003] Similarly, digital photocopy printing devices often include
a "poster" mode of operation in which a single image may be
enlarged to a size that well exceeds the size of the available
recording media. To provide the oversized enlargements, the
photocopier provides the image on multiple pages which may be
secured together to form the enlarged image as a "poster".
[0004] Thus, regardless of whether the image generated by computer
software or by raster scanning operations of a photocopier,
printing devices generate multiple page images for a variety of
reasons. Such multiple page images share the quality that they must
be physically reconstructed into the image once the single page
component portions have been printed. The exercise of constructing
the multiple page image from the various single page portions of
the image is somewhat similar to constructing a jigsaw puzzle.
[0005] As a result, the physical reconstruction process can be
somewhat confusing, and/or inconvenient. For example, if the
multiple page image has been divided into several single page
portions, simply determining the appropriate arrangement can be
somewhat confusing and at least inconvenient.
[0006] Such inconvenience is elevated by the use of image overlap
techniques. Image overlap techniques involve the use of overlapping
images on each of the single page portions of a multiple page image
to allow for irregularities at the edges of a printed document. The
irregularities arise from, among other things, the impracticality
of printing an image exactly to the edge of the available recording
medium. Accordingly, printers generate multiple page images in a
manner such that each single page portion includes overlap at the
borders so that the image may be reconstructed without losing any
image information or introducing white space breaks in the
composite image.
[0007] While the image overlap enhances the appearance of the final
reconstructed multipage image, it nevertheless introduces further
ambiguity into the reconstruction process. In particular, the
presence of overlapping images can render the "jigsaw" puzzle
reconstruction of the multiple page image more difficult.
[0008] Moreover, the presence of image overlap introduces the issue
of determining the precise location at which adjacent single page
portions should be combined. Because of the overlap, one cannot
simply connect the adjacent pages edge to edge. Instead, congruent
edge lines must be determined on both adjacent single page portions
to effectuate an accurate combination. If the adjacent pages are
not properly aligned, the reconstructed image can exhibit
discontinuity and/or distortion.
[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for a multiple page image
printing arrangement that reduces at least some of the
inconveniences associated with reconstructing a multiple page image
after it has been printed onto the multiple pages of recording
media.
[0010] Some patents that do not address the above needs, but may
relate to this disclosure include U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,412 to
Connors, U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,879 to Altrieth, and U.S. Pat. No.
5,794,104 to Maruyama.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The above needs, as well as others, are fulfilled by
providing a method and arrangement for generating alignment indicia
image information that is appended to the image information of one
or more single page portions of a multiple page image. The
alignment indicia image information is printed out on the single
page portion. The alignment indicia provides guidance in
positioning the single page portion in relation to one or more
other pages of the multiple page image. The alignment information
may, but need not, be information that identifies the relative
position of the page within the multiple page image and/or
information that identifies the border location on the page that
represents the intersection of the page with the adjacent page in
the presence of image overlap. Either type, and preferably both
types, of alignment information would advantageously assist a user
in reconfiguring a multiple page image from the individual
constituent pages.
[0012] In embodiments of the invention, a method includes
generating a first set of image information representative of a
first portion of the multiple page image, the first set of image
data corresponding to a first page of the multiple page image. The
method also includes generating alignment indicia image information
relating to the first portion of the multiple page image. The
method further includes generating combined image information
comprising the first set of image information and the alignment
indicia image information.
[0013] The alignment indicia image information can include
information that when printed out shows indicia representative of
the relative location of the first portion within the multiple page
image and/or indicia representative of the border of the image data
in the first portion to be used in the reconstructed multiple page
image.
[0014] In other embodiments of the invention, an arrangement for
use in a system that prints multiple page images includes an input,
a processor, and a printing device. The input receives a first set
of image information representative of a first portion of the
multiple page image, the first set of image data corresponding to a
first page of the multiple page image. The processor is coupled to
the input and is operable to generate first indicia image
information representative of a relative position of the first
portion of the multiple page image within the composite image. The
processor is further operable to generate combined image
information comprising the first set of image information and the
indicia image information. The printing device is operable to print
the combined image information onto a first recording medium.
[0015] As a result, the assembly of the single page portions into
the multiple page image is made easier and more intuitive. Such
advantage is present, in varying degree, regardless of whether the
single page portions include image overlap.
[0016] The above discussed features and advantages, as well as
others, may be readily ascertained by those of ordinary skill in
the art by reference to the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary printing system
that includes an arrangement according to embodiments of the
subject invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 shows in further detail a functional block diagram of
a first embodiment of a printing system that includes an
arrangement according to embodiments of the subject invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of exemplary operations executed
by a processor within the printing system of FIG. 2; and
[0020] FIGS. 4A-4D and 5A-5D show an exemplary set of images that
illustrate the operation of the flow diagram of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a system that prints multiple page images that
includes an arrangement 100 according to embodiments of the present
subject invention and a multiple page image source 112. As
discussed above, images generated in a plurality of ways may
require multiple pages of recording media to be printed out using
available printing devices.
[0022] The arrangement 100 includes an input 102, a processor 104,
a memory 106, a printing device 108, and an output 110. In general,
the arrangement receives at the input 102 a multiple page image and
generates at the output 110 multiple printed pages of recording
media from which the multiple page image may be physically
reconstructed.
[0023] The multiple page image source 112 can be any suitable
device that generates image data corresponding to a two-dimensional
image that cannot be completely printed on a single page of
recording media available in the printing device 108. The multiple
page image source 112 can also provide normal single page images in
another mode operation that is known in the art.
[0024] It will be noted that a "multiple page image" as used herein
refers to an image that is intended to be viewed as a
two-dimensional whole, the entire image requiring more than one
page to be adequately represented. By contrast, "multiple page
image" does not merely connote a multiple page document having
individually viewable pages. By way of example, a multiple page
image may comprise a chart, photograph or other pictoral image that
is intended to be perceived as a two-dimensional whole, and which
requires multiple printed pages to be assembled to produce the
entire image. It will be appreciated that a multiple page image may
include text, graphical, or any other format of viewable image
information.
[0025] To this end, the multiple page image source 112 can be a
general purpose computer that generates printable output data, such
as that generated using charting software, presentation software,
computer-aided design software, and the like. In other words, the
data can be generated as a software output file. Alternatively, the
multiple page image source 112 can include a scanning device that
obtains image information representative of an original manuscript
or object. It will be appreciated that the multiple page image
source 112 can in some cases be a software routine that is
performed by the processor 104. However, typically, the multiple
page image source 112 will be a separate device that may or may not
include other processors.
[0026] Referring now to the arrangement 100 according to
embodiments of the present invention, the processor 104 is a
controller, microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable digital
logic circuit, or other processing device, that is operable to,
among other things, generate alignment indicia image information
related to one or more, and preferably all of the single page
portions of the multiple page image. Indicia image information is
information that when printed out results in visible indicia on the
recording medium. Alignment indicia image information is
information that when printed out results in visible indicia that
provides a user with information regarding the alignment of the
single page portion with respect to one or more other single page
portions of the multiple page image.
[0027] As will be discussed below in further detail, the alignment
indicia that is printed out can consist of a legend or icon that
shows the position of the single page portion within the multiple
page image, or a margin or border indicator that indicates how to
align adjacent single page portions. Other alignment indicia can
alternatively be employed.
[0028] The processor 104 is further operable to generate combined
image information comprising the image information from the
original multiple page image and the alignment indicia image
information. In particular, the processor 104 generates a final
combined image that consists of the original image information and
the added alignment image information. The processor 104 is
operable to provide the combined image information to the printing
device 108.
[0029] In a first embodiment, the processor 104 obtains the
original image information from the received multiple page image.
In particular, the processor 104 is configured to receive multiple
page image information and allocate the multiple page image to
separate single page portions. As an initial step, the processor
104 typically determines the number of single page portions, as
well as the alignment of those portions that will be required to
reproduce the multiple page image. To this end, the processor 104
determines the required number of pages in each row based on the
number of pixels in each row of the multiple page image. Similarly,
the processor 104 determines the number of pages in each column
based on the number of pixels in each column of the multiple page
image. As also discussed further below, the processor 104 takes
into account any determined overlap areas and unused border space
that should appear on page.
[0030] Once the required configuration of single page portions is
determined, the processor 104 is operable to allocate the multiple
page image data to each of the single page portions. Each resulting
single page portion includes the pixel data used by the printer
device 108 to print to a recording medium. Accordingly, the
processor 104 in this embodiment is operable to translate the
multiple page image information to single page portion data blocks
stored in the memory 106.
[0031] Before, during, or after the transfer or translation, the
processor 104 is operable to generate the alignment indicia
information and inserts the indicia information into each of the
single page portion data blocks such that the alignment indicia
will appear in a predetermined position on the recording medium.
Such predetermined position typically consists of margin area that
is not a visible part of the final reconstructed multiple page
image. Further detail regarding the generation of specific examples
of alignment indicia information is provided further below in
connection with FIGS. 5A-5D.
[0032] The processor 104 is also operable to coordinate the
transfer of the single page portion data blocks from the memory 106
to the printing device 108. To this end, it will be appreciated
that the processor 104 as depicted herein can include one device or
several devices that perform the various processing steps described
above.
[0033] The printing device 108 is a device that is operable to
print the combined image information for each single page portion,
for example, the single page portion data blocks with the alignment
indicia information, onto a recording medium. To this end, the
printing device 106 may be an ink jet printer, a laser printer, a
xerographic printing device, or other printing device that is
operable to print to a recording medium based on pixel data in scan
line or raster format.
[0034] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the system of FIG.
1. FIG. 2 is a schematic elevational view showing an exemplary
electrophotographic printing machine and a networked PC which may
incorporate features of the present invention therein. As discussed
above, however, it will become evident from the following
discussion that embodiments of the subject invention is equally
well suited for use in a wide variety of printing and copying
systems, and therefore is not limited in application to the
particular system(s) shown and described herein.
[0035] The exemplary electrophotographic printing machine of FIG. 2
is operable to generate and print on recording media multiple page
images generated in a "poster mode" operation in which an input
manuscript is scanned, magnified into a multiple page image,
divided into single page portions with alignment indicia, and
printed out page by page. The user may then reconstruct the final
"poster" from the multiple printed out single page portions.
[0036] To begin by way of general explanation of the machine of
FIG. 2, an image processing station (IPS), indicated generally by
the reference numeral 12, contains data processing and control
electronics which prepare and manage the image data flow to a
raster output scanner (ROS), indicated generally by the reference
numeral 16. A network of one or more personal computers (PC),
indicated generally by the reference numeral 5, is shown
interfacing/in communication with IPS 12. A user interface (UI),
indicated generally by the reference numeral 14, is also in
communication with IPS 12.
[0037] UI 14 enables an operator to control and monitor various
operator adjustable functions and maintenance activities. The
operator actuates the appropriate keys of UI 14 to adjust the
parameters of the copy. Thus, for the example, the operator may use
the keys of UI 14 to select "poster mode" copying as well as to
dictate the final size of the poster. UI 14 may be a touch screen,
or any other suitable control panel, providing an operator
interface with the system. The output signal from UI 14 is
transmitted to IPS 12. UI 14 may also display electronic documents
on a display screen (not shown in FIG. 2).
[0038] As further shown in FIG. 2, a multiple color original
document 38 may be positioned on a raster input scanner (RIS),
indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. The RIS 10
contains document illumination lamps, optics, a mechanical scanning
drive, and a charge coupled device (CCD array) or full width color
scanning array. RIS 10 captures the entire image from original
document 38 and converts it to a series of raster scan lines and
moreover measures a set of primary color densities, i.e., red,
green and blue densities, at each point of the original document.
RIS 10 may provide data on the scanned image to IPS 12, indirectly
to PC 5 and/or directly to PC 5.
[0039] Digitized electronic documents may be created, trapped,
modified, stored and/or otherwise processed by PC 5 prior to
transmission/relay to IPS 12 for printing on printer 18. The
display of PC 5 may show electronic documents on a screen (not
shown in FIG. 2). The screen of PC 5 may optionally display and
interface with the IPS 12 processor(s) and controller(s), to allow
enhanced user manipulation of poster mode parameters. However, it
will be noted that the PC 5 need not be used to effectuate the
poster mode of operation. Indeed, in the embodiment described
herein, the IPS 12 includes the processor(s), controller(s), and/or
other circuits (not shown in FIG. 2) required to perform the
operations ascribed to the processor 104 of FIG. 1. Nevertheless,
in an alternative embodiment, the operations of the processor 104
of FIG. 1 may be carried out within the PC 5.
[0040] IPS 12 also transmits signals corresponding to the desired
electronic or scanned image to ROS 16, which creates the output
copy image. To this end, the IPS 12 contains circuitry that
embodies both the processor 104 and the memory 106 of FIG. 1. ROS
16 includes a laser with rotating polygon mirror blocks.
Preferably, a nine facet polygon is used. The ROS 16 illuminates,
via mirror 37, the charged portion of a photoconductive belt 20 of
a printer or marking engine, indicated generally by the reference
numeral 18, at a rate of about 400 pixels per inch, to achieve a
set of subtractive primary latent images. The ROS 16 will expose
the photoconductive belt to record three or four latent images
which correspond to the signals transmitted from IPS 12. One latent
image is developed with cyan developer material. Another latent
image is developed with magenta developer material and the third
latent image is developed with yellow developer material. A black
latent image may be developed in lieu of or in addition to other
(colored) latent images. These developed images are transferred to
a copy sheet in superimposed registration with one another to form
a multicolored image on the copy sheet. This multicolored image is
then fused to the copy sheet forming a color copy.
[0041] With continued reference to FIG. 2, printer or marking
engine 18 is an electrophotographic printing machine.
Photoconductive belt 20 of marking engine 18 is preferably made
from a photoconductive material. The photoconductive belt moves in
the direction of arrow 22 to advance successive portions of the
photoconductive surface sequentially through the various processing
stations disposed about the path of movement thereof.
Photoconductive belt 20 is entrained about rollers 24 and 26,
tensioning roller 28, and drive roller 30. Drive roller 30 is
rotated by a motor 32 coupled thereto by suitable means such as a
belt drive. As roller 30 rotates, it advances belt 20 in the
direction of arrow 22.
[0042] Initially, a portion of photoconductive belt 20 passes
through a charging station, indicated generally by the reference
numeral 33. At charging station 33, a corona generating device 34
charges photoconductive belt 20 to a relatively high, substantially
uniform potential.
[0043] Next, the charged photoconductive surface is rotated to an
exposure station, indicated generally by the reference numeral 35.
Exposure station 35 receives a modulated light beam corresponding
to information derived by RIS 10 having multicolored original
document 38 positioned thereat. The modulated light beam impinges
on the surface of photoconductive belt 20. The beam illuminates the
charged portion of the photoconductive belt to form an
electrostatic latent image. The photoconductive belt is exposed
three or four times to record three or four latent images
thereon.
[0044] After the electrostatic latent images have been recorded on
photoconductive belt 20, the belt advances such latent images to a
development station, indicated generally by the reference numeral
39. The development station includes four individual developer
units indicated by reference numerals 40, 42, 44 and 46. The
developer units are of a type generally referred to in the art as
"magnetic brush development units." Typically, a magnetic brush
development system employs a magnetizable developer material
including magnetic carrier granules having toner particles adhering
triboelectrically thereto. The developer material is continually
brought through a directional flux field to form a brush of
developer material. The developer material is constantly moving so
as to continually provide the brush with fresh developer material.
Development is achieved by bringing the brush of developer material
into contact with the photoconductive surface. Developer units 40,
42, and 44, respectively, apply toner particles of a specific color
which corresponds to the complement of the specific color separated
electrostatic latent image recorded on the photoconductive
surface.
[0045] The color of each of the toner particles is adapted to
absorb light within a preselected spectral region of the
electromagnetic wave spectrum. For example, an electrostatic latent
image formed by discharging the portions of charge on the
photoconductive belt corresponding to the green regions of the
original document will record the red and blue portions as areas of
relatively high charge density on photoconductive belt 20, while
the green areas will be reduced to a voltage level ineffective for
development. The charged areas are then made visible by having
developer unit 40 apply green absorbing (magenta) toner particles
onto the electrostatic latent image recorded on photoconductive
belt 20. Similarly, a blue separation is developed by developer
unit 42 with blue absorbing (yellow) toner particles, while the red
separation is developed by developer unit 44 with red absorbing
(cyan) toner particles. Developer unit 46 contains black toner
particles and may be used to develop the electrostatic latent image
formed from a black and white original document. Each of the
developer units is moved into and out of an operative position. In
the operative position, the magnetic brush is substantially
adjacent the photoconductive belt, while in the nonoperative
position, the magnetic brush is spaced therefrom. During
development of each electrostatic latent image, only one developer
unit is in the operative position, the remaining developer units
are in the nonoperative position.
[0046] After development, the toner image is moved to a transfer
station, indicated generally by the reference numeral 65. Transfer
station 65 includes a transfer zone, generally indicated by
reference numeral 64. In transfer zone 64, the toner image is
transferred to a sheet of support material, such as plain paper
amongst others. At transfer station 65, a sheet transport
apparatus, indicated generally by the reference numeral 48, moves
the sheet into contact with photoconductive belt 20. Sheet
transport 48 has a pair of spaced belts 54 entrained about a pair
of substantially cylindrical rollers 50 and 52. A sheet gripper
(not shown in FIG. 2) extends between belts 54 and moves in unison
therewith. A sheet is advanced from a stack of sheets 56 disposed
on a tray. A friction retard feeder 58 advances the uppermost sheet
from stack 56 onto a pre-transfer transport 60. Transport 60
advances the sheet to sheet transport 48. The sheet is advanced by
transport 60 in synchronism with the movement of the sheet gripper.
In this way, the leading edge of the sheet arrives at a preselected
position or loading zone to be received by the open sheet gripper.
The sheet gripper then closes securing the sheet thereto for
movement therewith in a recirculating path. The leading edge of the
sheet (again, not shown in FIG. 2) is secured releasably by the
sheet gripper. As belts 54 move in the direction of arrow 62, the
sheet moves into contact with the photoconductive belt, in
synchronism with the toner image developed thereon. In transfer
zone 64, a corona generating device 66 sprays ions onto the
backside of the sheet so as to charge the sheet to the proper
magnitude and polarity for attracting the toner image from
photoconductive belt 20 thereto. The sheet remains secured to the
sheet gripper so as to move in a recirculating path for three
cycles. In this way, three or four different color toner images are
transferred to the sheet in superimposed registration with one
another.
[0047] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the sheet may
move in a recirculating path for four cycles when under color black
removal is used. Each of the electrostatic latent images recorded
on the photoconductive surface is developed with the appropriately
colored toner and transferred, in superimposed registration with
one another, to the sheet to form the multicolored copy of the
colored original document. After the last transfer operation, the
sheet transport system directs the sheet to a vacuum conveyor 68.
Vacuum conveyor 68 transports the sheet, in the direction of arrow
70, to a fusing station, indicated generally by the reference
numeral 71, where the transferred toner image is permanently fused
to the sheet. Thereafter, the sheet is advanced by a pair of rolls
76 to a catch tray 78 for subsequent removal therefrom by the
machine operator.
[0048] The final processing station in the direction of movement of
belt 20, as indicated by arrow 22, is a photoreceptor cleaning
apparatus, indicated generally by the reference numeral 73. A
rotatably mounted fibrous brush 72 may be positioned in the
cleaning station and maintained in contact with photoconductive
belt 20 to remove residual toner particles remaining after the
transfer operation. Thereafter, lamp 82 illuminates photoconductive
belt 20 to remove any residual charge remaining thereon prior to
the start of the next successive cycle.
[0049] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram 200 of the exemplary operations
executed by the IPS 12 within the electrophotographic machine of
FIG. 2 to carry out a poster mode operation in accordance with
embodiments of the subject invention. An exemplary implementation
of a poster mode operation is enlarging a photograph to a large
format size. The large format, which may, for example, be 18" by
24", cannot be printed on normal 8.5".times.11", 8.5".times.14", or
other common paper sizes handled by the photocopying machine of
FIG. 2. Accordingly, the IPS 12 creates and generates print data as
a multiple page image.
[0050] As an initial matter, in step 205, the IPS 12 receives from
the UI 18 an operator command selecting poster mode as well as
parameters therefor. The parameters include information that
identifies the final size of the image. For example, the operator
may specify the final size to be any of a plurality of sizes.
Alternatively, the operator may specify a magnification factor that
inherently defines the final image size. The parameters may also
include the size of the recording medium to be used, for example,
8.5".times.11" or 8.5".times.14".
[0051] Thereafter, in step 210, the IPS 12 obtains the image scan
data from the RIS 10. The IPS 12 then proceeds to execute step 215.
In step 215, the IPS 12 performs the enlargement operation that
generates the multiple page image in pixel data format. The
multiple page image is preferably arranged in successive scan lines
as is known in the art. To perform the enlargement, the IPS 12 may
perform extrapolation techniques or other techniques well known in
the art to expand the image expressed in a first pixel resolution
to an image having a greater pixel resolution. It will be
appreciated that steps 210 and 215 may be performed discretely on
the entire image, such that the entire image is received into a
memory, not shown, within the IPS 12 and then is translated to the
multiple page image. However, the IPS 12 may alternatively perform
the expansion/translation as the data is being received.
Accordingly, steps 210 and 215 may be performed in an ongoing
manner such that the incoming image scan data is translated or
expanded into the multiple page image scan data as it is
received.
[0052] In step 220, the IPS 12 determines the mapping of the
multiple page image or oversize image into individual page-sized
images or single page portions. In other words, the IPS 12
determines the number of single pages, as well as their
configuration, that will be required to reproduce the multiple page
image. To this end, the IPS determines the number of pages required
in each row based on the number of pixels in each row of the
multiple page image. The IPS 12 further determines the number of
pages required in each column based on the number of pixels in each
column.
[0053] In addition, the IPS 12 incorporates image overlap pixels in
its mapping determination. In particular, each single page image
preferably includes some overlap image data that is also included
on the adjacent page. As discussed further above, the overlap image
data helps to maintain image continuity in the reconstructed
multiple page image. Without the overlap, the reconstructed image
could have white space or image discontinuity. The IPS 12 makes its
page mapping determination based in part on the number of image
overlap pixels that will be used.
[0054] By way of example, if a multiple page image is 600
(horizontal) by 500 pixels (vertical), and each sheet nominally
holds 300 (h).times.200 (v) pixels, then theoretically, the
configuration requirements could be 2 pages (horizontal) by 3 pages
(vertical) to fit the 600 by 500 pixel image. However, if an
overlap and/or border of 40 pixels is used, then the horizontal
page requirement grows to 3 pages because two pages cannot hold a
600 pixel drawing that includes a 40 pixel overlap region.
[0055] It is noted that the IPS 12 may perform step 220 at any time
after receiving the parameters in step 205. In any event, once the
IPS 12 determines the configuration of the single page image
portions, the IPS 12 in step 225 translates the multiple page image
scan data into the plurality of single page image portions. As
discussed above in connection with FIG. 1, the IPS 12 may suitably
translate the multiple page image scan data into individual single
page blocks of page files of scan data in a memory. The translation
may be carried out in a plurality of ways, for example, by scanning
through the multiple page scan data and storing each pixel in its
corresponding mapped page file (or files in the case of overlap
pixel data).
[0056] Thus, after step 225, the stored page files represent
printable data, each of which will result in a portion of the
multiple page image. In step 230, the IPS 12 generates and inserts
the relative location indicia into a portion of each page file that
contains non-viewable image data, such as the portion of the
overlap image data that will ultimately be covered up. In
particular, if image overlap is employed, at least some of the
overlap from each page will not be viewable in the final
reconstructed image because it is covered up or removed. The
relative location indicia image information may be inserted into
the page file such that the relative location indicia prints out in
the non-viewable overlap area of the single page image. (See, e.g.,
FIGS. 5A-5D, discussed below). As a result, the relative location
indicia can assist in reconstruction without interfering with the
final reconstructed image.
[0057] The relative location indicia may take any suitable form
that, when printed out, provides a visible indication of the
relative location of each page within the multiple page image. One
example is a relatively small depiction of all of the pages
configured as they would be in the reconstructed multiple page
image, with the depiction of the instant page having a different
appearance from all of the other page depictions. An example of
such an indication is shown as the relative location indicia 330 of
FIG. 5A.
[0058] In step 235, the IPS generates border/margin indicator image
data and inserts the data at the appropriate pixel location(s) of
each page file. The border/margin indicator image data, when
printed, provides a visible indicia identifying the border of the
portion of the printed page data that is intended to be visible in
the final assembled multiple page image. For example, as discussed
above, at least some of the overlap data of each page is not
intended to be viewable because it is redundant. The border/margin
indicator identifies the border or edge of the usable (i.e. image
that is intended to be used) on each page. This border/margin
indicator may be used during reconstruction of the multiple page
image to align the adjacent single page images accurately. To this
end, for example, the border/margin indicator may appear as a
broken line on each border of each page, such as the indicator 354
shown in FIG. 5A.
[0059] It will be appreciated that steps 225, 230 and 235 may be
performed in any order, or even more or less contemporaneously. In
the present embodiment, the result of steps 225, 230, and 235 are
multiple stored page files, each page file containing a portion of
the multiple page image, border/margin indicator image data that
identifies (when printed) the location of the usable and unusable
portions of the printed page, and relative location indicia image
data.
[0060] Thereafter, in step 240, the data is provided to the ROS 16
and the printing operation is carried out as described above in
connection with FIG. 2.
[0061] An exemplary operation of the flow diagram 200 may be
illustrated with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 5A, 5B, 5C and
5D. FIGS. 4A-4D shows various images representative of image data
generated within steps 210-225 of the flow diagram 200. FIGS. 5A-5D
show images representative of four single page images that may be
generated in steps 230 and 235 of the flow diagram 200. Those four
single page images may be reconstructed to form the multiple page
image illustrated in FIG. 4B.
[0062] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4A, the image 302 shows the
obtained image scan data received in step 210. The image 302 shows
a small FIG. 304 and a large FIG. 306. The image 302 may suitably
have originated as a manuscript document, such as the document 38
of FIG. 2. By way of example, the image 302 may represent a
300.times.200 pixel image.
[0063] In step 215, the image 302 is enlarged to produce the
multiple page image 308 of FIG. 4B. In this example, the multiple
page image is a 500.times.333 pixel image. It is also assumed that
each page has a nominal capacity of 300 pixels horizontally by 200
pixels vertically, and that each page will include 50 pixels of
overlap image data along each overlapped edge. Thus, in step 220,
the IPS 12 determines that the final image will require 2 pages by
2 pages of single page portions. In particular, if each page has a
nominal capacity of 300 pixels horizontally, then two pages
horizontally should include the entire 500 horizontal pixels of the
multiple page image, even including 50 pixels of overlap. Likewise,
if each page has a nominal capacity of 200 pixels vertically, then
two pages vertically can include the entire 333 vertical pixels of
the multiple page image, even with 50 pixels of overlap.
[0064] After step 220, the IPS 12 in step 225 generates the single
page images 320, 322, 324 and 326 as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D. The
allocated image 310 of FIG. 4C illustrates which data is translated
to each of the single page images. To this end, the allocated image
310 includes four border lines 312, 314, 316 and 318 that identify
the borders of the image portion that will be allocated to each
single page portion. The border line 312 shows the right edge
extent and bottom edge extent of the image portion that is
allocated to the first portion 320. The border line 314 shows the
left edge extent and the bottom edge extent of the image portion
that is allocated to the second portion 322. The border line 316
shows the right edge extent and the top edge extent of the image
portion that is allocated to the third portion 324. The border line
318 shows the left edge extent and top edge extent of the image
portion that is allocated to the fourth portion 326. The allocated
image 310 also illustrates the overlap areas 328.
[0065] The divided image 311 of FIG. 4D illustrates the single page
portions 320, 322, 324 and 326 of the multiple page image that are
generated during step 225.
[0066] Steps 230 and 235 of the flow diagram 200 of FIG. 3 are
illustrated with reference to FIGS. 5A-5D. Referring to FIG. 5A,
the IPS 12 in step 230 inserts the relative location indicia image
data 330 within the non-viewable overlap area 332 of the first
portion 320. The relative location indicia image data 330 includes
four boxes 334, 336, 338 and 340 arranged in the same 2.times.2
configuration as the page portions 320, 322, 324 and 326 of the
multiple page image in FIG. 4D. The box 334, which has the same
relative location with respect to the other boxes 336, 338 and 340
as the first portion 320 has to the other portions 322, 324 and 326
of the multiple page image, is shaded. The other boxes 336, 338 and
340 are not shaded. As a result, when the first portion 320 is
printed out, the printed indicia image data 330 will signify that
the first portion 320 represents the upper left hand corner of the
multiple page image because the shaded box 334 is located in the
upper left hand corner of the array of boxes 334, 336, 338 and
340.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 5B, the IPS in step 230 also inserts the
relative location indicia image data 342 into the non-viewable
overlap area 344 of the second portion 322. The relative location
indicia image data 342 also contains four boxes 346, 348, 350 and
352. However, in the indicia image data 342, the upper right hand
box 348 is shaded, signifying that the second portion 322 belongs
in the upper right hand corner of the multiple page image.
[0068] The IPS 12 repeats step 230 in an analogous manner for the
other two portions 324 and 326, shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D. In
particular, the IPS 12 inserts the relative location indicia image
data 331 into the non-viewable area of the third portion 324 and
inserts the relative location indicia image data 343 into the
non-viewable area of the fourth portion 326.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 5A again, in step 235, the IPS 12 inserts
overlap margin border line image data 354 into the first portion
320 at the border of its non-viewable image overlap area 332. The
non-viewable overlap image area 332 roughly constitutes one-half of
the overall overlap area. The entire overlap area is identified by
the border line 355, which is shown only for reference purposes
within FIG. 5A and would not appear in the printed image.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 5B, the IPS also inserts in step 235
overlap margin border line image data 356 into the second portion
322 at the border of its non-viewable image overlap area 344. It
will be appreciated that if the first portion 320 and the second
portion 322 are aligned together at the adjacent portions of their
respective margin border line images 354 and 356, the portion of
the multiple page image that appears on those two portions will
appear continuous throughout the two pages.
[0071] Further in step 235, the IPS inserts analogous margin border
line image data 360 and 362 into the third portion 324 and fourth
portion 326, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D,
respectively.
[0072] In step 240, the first portion 320 is provided to the
printing device, which results in a single page document having the
appearance shown in FIG. 5A. Likewise, in step 240, the second
portion 322, third portion 324 and fourth portion 326 are provided
to the printing device, resulting in three additional single page
documents having the appearances of FIGS. 5B, 5C and 5D,
respectively.
[0073] The user may then, using both types of indicia printed on
the single page documents, assemble the documents to reproduce the
multiple page image 308 shown in FIG. 4.
[0074] It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments
are merely illustrative, and that those of ordinary skill in the
art may readily devise their own implementations that incorporated
the principles of the present invention and fall within the spirit
and scope thereof. For example, the exact appearance of the
relative location indicia may take many forms, as may the border
indicator, and still benefit from many of the advantages of the
present invention. Moreover, it will be appreciated that at least
some of the advantages of the present invention may be obtained
without having both border image indicia and relative location
indicia.
* * * * *